March 22, 2011

REPS. TABORSAK, GODFREY AND SPEAKER DONOVAN HELD PUBLIC FORUM ON FORECLOSURE PREVENTION OPTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Connecticut Fair Housing Center gave presentation on alternatives

State Representatives Joe Taborsak (D-Danbury) and Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury), along with Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) participated in a public forum on foreclosure prevention options for homeowners sponsored by the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. The forum focused on strategies to keep people in their homes while representing themselves through the foreclosure process.

"We continue to face tough economic times as we find ways to deal with our statewide budget deficit,” Donovan said. “In the meantime, we are reaching out to homeowners who are having difficulty with their mortgages. This program is an alternative to consider for those who want to keep their homes from being foreclosed.”

The forum highlighted resources and assistance available through the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. Mediation classes are offered across the state, with this evening's forum a brief introduction. Topics discussed ranged from home loan modification and negotiating a home exit strategy to housing counselors and demystifying the process. An 80-page manual which walks homeowners through the Connecticut foreclosure process, including all forms needed for court was distributed. To date, some 5000 owners have kept their homes thanks to this mediation process.

"Facing foreclosure is devastating to families, communities and the economy,” Taborsak stated. “We are trying to provide necessary tools to help homeowners that are facing this crisis. It is my hope that as more people learn about how this program works, that we will have many taking advantage of it.” 

“Danbury is a great city to put down roots and buy a home. During this past recession families have been hit hard economically and found it difficult to make ends meet and pay their bills,” said Rep. Godfrey. “People facing foreclosure need the opportunity to keep their homes. Achieving the American dream of owning a home, only to lose it to the bank is a tragedy that profoundly impacts families and neighborhoods.”

"The Connecticut Fair Housing Center is the only non-profit organization in the state that provides legal assistance and resources, free of charge, to homeowners facing foreclosure," said CFHC Staff Attorney Jeffrey Gentes. "One in 13 Connecticut homeowners is either 90 days behind on their mortgage or in foreclosure. It is critical that we continue to support and educate people about resources like the Foreclosure Mediation Program so that we can prevent as many foreclosures as possible."

For assistance with foreclosure, please contact:

Connecticut Department of Banking
Foreclosure Assistance Hotline: 1-877-472-8313
www.ct.gov/dob

Connecticut Fair Housing Center
Phone: (860) 247-4400
www.ctfairhousing.org

Housing Development Fund
Phone: (203) 798-6527
www.hdf-ct.org

Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury
Phone: (203) 753-1896
www.nhswaterbury.org

Community Action Center of Danbury
Phone: (203) 744-4700
www.cacd-caa.org